After checking the Whitehall field hockey team's box score against Northampton Area High School, it seemed there was a misprint.

The Zephyrs lost 2-1? Can't be.

That's almost the expectation one gets every time the Zephs take the field. As unrealistic as that is, any time one sees a score in favor of the opposition, a feeling of surprise accompanies the cold statistics.

However, history shows that when the Kids and Zephs meet, it's always a tough game, with numerous outcomes decided in overtime. Last week's contest was no different as the two teams were deadlocked at one at the end of regulation.

Head coach Emily Repsher said that the game between the two schools separated by the Lehigh has an underlying quality that adds to the tension.

"I think it's the rivalry," said Repsher. "These two teams just want to beat each other. It's just intense."

Repsher acknowledged that the Kids are highly skilled so it make for a great match-up. They also know that beating a league opponent as talented as the Zephs will increase their chances for a playoff berth.

Whitehall had trouble gaining any offensive consistency in the first half as the action was dictated by Northampton, said Repsher.

Despite that fact, the Zephs drew first blood, scoring on Molly Graveno's penalty stroke.

Once that happened, "it lit a fire," said Repsher.

While it may have stoked their desire, they couldn't capitalize on that momentum in the second half. The Kids came back to tie, knotting the score on a goal by Erin Tiwold.

The game was eventually settled when Emily Nunnemacher scored with 20 seconds remaining in the extra frame.

The Zephs had to withstand a number of cards, leaving then shorthanded in the latter stages of game, most notably when Laura Gerhard had to leave in the extra session. Repsher said those situations took their toll.

"Basically, I think if those cards didn't happen, we could have ended in a tie," said Repsher.

The game was another step in the steady progression of goalkeeper Emily Graveno. Repsher said she faced her first penalty and accorded herself well, making a number of stops.

"Emily did really well," said Repsher. "She has come a long way and improves every day."

Repsher said they battled hard all game and will learn from the loss as it underscored some areas they'll need to work on as the season progresses.

"I would rather experience the loss now than later on," said Repsher.

In Monday's game against Nazareth Area High School, the Zephs utilized a pair of first-half goals by Kayla Cunningham to take a 3-1 lead.

Also finding the back of the cage in that half was Anne Klepeiss who was part of a team that "really came together," said Repsher

The key to recording their first league win was a combined effort from the entire squad, from the back line, to the forwards, all contributing in the 4-2 win.

"I think we played really well as a team, altogether, and were tactically sound," said Repsher.

Repsher said that Cunningham's first goal was a marvelous shot, finding the upper left hand corner. Cunningham's second goal was assisted by Sarah Schannauer, and she completed the hat trick with a goal in the second half, assisted by sister Kourtney Cunningham.

They demonstrated crisp passing, finding the open player, and running their offense like well-oiled machine.

Defensively, the maroon and gold were patient, said Repsher. She said they've been working on the defense, and against the Blue Eagles, it came together. Part of that success is due to the play of Erin Everett who gave Nazareth very little room to maneuver.

"She did a really good job as our center back," said Repsher. "She had some really great stops and protected our circle really well."

Repsher said that Taylor George also had a solid game, contributing to the win by playing gluelike individual defense.

"She did really well back there all game," said Repsher.

The Zephs are now 4-1 and will face Parkland and Easton Area High Schools this week.